Carbon Fiber shortage worldwide
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Carbon Fiber shortage worldwide
Last Update: 5/11//06
Carbon Fiber Shortage Update
The good news is that carbon fiber producers are aggressively addressing increasing their capacities. Toray appears to be gearing up for a 30% increase in production for 2007 and again in 2008. Toho has plans for doubling capacity by 2008 compared to 2003 levels.
The bad news is that demand is growing faster and a few big users are squeezing smaller users, even smaller industries, and right out.
The Problem
The carbon fiber industry was seemingly unprepared for the demand spike caused by both the Pentagon and the commercial aircraft industries. The Pentagon is blamed for more than 350 carbon-epoxy parts on the F-22 Raptor and the developmental Joint Strike Fighter is projected to be between 25 and 30 percent composite by weight. The F22 Stealth fighter, the Blackhawk helicopter, the unmanned predator drone as well as body armor, helmets, holsters and a variety of other military applications are gobbling up carbon fiber as fast as it can be produced.
Additionally, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is scheduled to start operating in 2008. The enormous commercial jet is half carbon fiber. This direct competitor to Airbus’ dominance in the market is only the beginning of the fight. The Airbus Superjumbo A380 and A350 are also extensively carbon fiber and are expected to fly in 2006 and 2010, respectively.
Perspective
Airbus reportedly ordered over 100 A380’s, each of which uses approximately 70,000 metric tons of carbon fiber. One estimate of the entire sporting goods industry’s usage is 200,000 tons.
Alternative Materials
Although the preference for carbon fiber is based on both strength and cosmetics, the reality is that many applications are going to have to be redesigned if smaller companies are going to stay in business. There is simply no reason to believe that the shortage is going to be over any time soon.
The best alternative to carbon is still fiberglass. KevlarR is an excellent material but for most applications, its lower compressive properties are simply not a substitution for carbon applications.
S2 Fiberglass is aerospace grade with a fine finish suitable for strength requirements of most applications. Fibre Glast Developments #1543, Style 6781 S2 Glass is first quality and is suitable for military certification. We recommend #1543 as the best alternative to carbon fiber.
Carbon Fiber Shortage Update
The good news is that carbon fiber producers are aggressively addressing increasing their capacities. Toray appears to be gearing up for a 30% increase in production for 2007 and again in 2008. Toho has plans for doubling capacity by 2008 compared to 2003 levels.
The bad news is that demand is growing faster and a few big users are squeezing smaller users, even smaller industries, and right out.
The Problem
The carbon fiber industry was seemingly unprepared for the demand spike caused by both the Pentagon and the commercial aircraft industries. The Pentagon is blamed for more than 350 carbon-epoxy parts on the F-22 Raptor and the developmental Joint Strike Fighter is projected to be between 25 and 30 percent composite by weight. The F22 Stealth fighter, the Blackhawk helicopter, the unmanned predator drone as well as body armor, helmets, holsters and a variety of other military applications are gobbling up carbon fiber as fast as it can be produced.
Additionally, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is scheduled to start operating in 2008. The enormous commercial jet is half carbon fiber. This direct competitor to Airbus’ dominance in the market is only the beginning of the fight. The Airbus Superjumbo A380 and A350 are also extensively carbon fiber and are expected to fly in 2006 and 2010, respectively.
Perspective
Airbus reportedly ordered over 100 A380’s, each of which uses approximately 70,000 metric tons of carbon fiber. One estimate of the entire sporting goods industry’s usage is 200,000 tons.
Alternative Materials
Although the preference for carbon fiber is based on both strength and cosmetics, the reality is that many applications are going to have to be redesigned if smaller companies are going to stay in business. There is simply no reason to believe that the shortage is going to be over any time soon.
The best alternative to carbon is still fiberglass. KevlarR is an excellent material but for most applications, its lower compressive properties are simply not a substitution for carbon applications.
S2 Fiberglass is aerospace grade with a fine finish suitable for strength requirements of most applications. Fibre Glast Developments #1543, Style 6781 S2 Glass is first quality and is suitable for military certification. We recommend #1543 as the best alternative to carbon fiber.
Thread Starter
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Thread Starter
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From: Walnut, CA
Car Info: 2005 Pooparu
Originally Posted by sigma pi
what is it made of?
carbon?????
thats plentiful
carbon?????
thats plentiful
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Originally Posted by WRX-CBR
+ 
=
please make sure all the carbon weave is straight
TIA
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